The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched a search for a new executive director after Heather Maurer resigned less than a year after taking the leadership role, marking another significant change for the organization during a period of internal and external scrutiny.
The nonprofit confirmed that Maurer will remain in her position through October 16 to assist with the transition process. Her departure comes as the organization continues to face criticism and membership losses linked to its partnership with prediction market operator Kalshi.
In a statement released by the NCPG Board of Directors, President Derek Longmeier sought to reassure stakeholders that the organization’s operations would continue without disruption.
“With the dedicated commitment and depth of experience of the NCPG staff, we assure all of our advocacy, programs, and services will carry on seamlessly during the search process,” said Longmeier according to SBC Americas. “The need for NCPG’s work to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm has never been greater, and we will continue to build on the strength of our partnerships with Affiliates, members, and stakeholders to meet the challenges ahead.”
Maurer joined the NCPG in January 2026 after being announced as the successor to longtime executive director Keith Whyte in November 2025. Whyte left the organization after decades in leadership and later joined FanDuel as a responsible gaming strategic adviser.
Kalshi Partnership Continues to Draw Criticism
The leadership change follows months of controversy surrounding the NCPG’s relationship with Kalshi. In May, the organization announced a new partnership with the prediction market company, including a $2 million commitment over two years to support a trader health and safety initiative.
As part of the agreement, Kalshi became the first member of a newly created Financial Services & Trading membership category and was added to the organization’s Leadership Circle as a platinum-level member.
The arrangement immediately attracted attention from regulators, responsible gambling groups and existing members. Several critics questioned whether the nonprofit should accept funding from a company whose products remain the subject of legal disputes across multiple states.
A number of NCPG-affiliated organizations ultimately ended their memberships following the announcement. Publicly identified departures included organizations and agencies from Michigan, Nevada, Ohio and Washington. Other groups also disappeared from membership rolls during the months that followed.
Several of the jurisdictions that withdrew have active disputes involving Kalshi. Michigan and Nevada have secured injunctions restricting certain Kalshi sports-related contracts while courts consider broader legal questions. In Ohio, regulators previously imposed a $5 million penalty against the company for what the state described as illegal gambling activity.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has also discussed whether continued membership in the NCPG remains consistent with its values, although no final decision has been announced.
NCPG Maintains Neutral Position on Legality
Throughout the controversy, the NCPG has repeatedly stated that its role is not to determine the legal status of prediction markets. In a September statement, Longmeier emphasized the organization’s focus on consumer protection rather than legal classification.
“NCPG exists not to litigate whether prediction markets or other emerging activities meet a legal definition of gambling, but to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm wherever it occurs.”
The council has also stressed that membership and financial support from an organization should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its business model or legal standing.
At the same time, NCPG leaders have acknowledged that prediction markets can expose users to risks similar to those associated with traditional gambling products.
“Prediction markets have moved rapidly to a mainstream product used by millions of Americans. Regardless of how prediction markets are currently legally defined, NCPG believes it is functionally gambling and can expose consumers to many of the same risks and harms associated with traditional gambling.”
Longmeier made similar comments in another communication issued last week.
“People are experiencing real financial, emotional, and relationship consequences as a result of prediction markets,” Longmeier said. “The harm is not theoretical, and we cannot wait to act. NCPG exists not to litigate whether prediction markets or other emerging activities meet a legal definition of gambling, but to prevent and reduce gambling-related harm wherever it occurs.”
Additional Departures and Ongoing Challenges
Maurer’s resignation follows the recent exit of NCPG Director of Programs Jaime Costello, who publicly announced her decision to leave the organization.
“I made this decision because, over the past year, the environment shifted in ways I could no longer reconcile with how I believe this work should be done,” Costello wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Leaving is how I stay true to the reasons I got into it: doing good, building something alongside people I trust, and ending the day knowing I contributed to something that matters.”
The leadership transition arrives amid other organizational challenges. In 2025, the NCPG lost the right to operate the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline after a licensing dispute with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. The organization subsequently launched the 1-800-MY-RESET service, which it now promotes as the national problem gambling helpline.